….Inspects key facilities in Makurdi
By Lubem Gena, Makurdi
The Benue State Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Denis Ter Iyaghigba, has urged staff and stakeholders of the ministry to join hands with him in repositioning the ministry into a revenue-generating agency that will contribute meaningfully to the economic development agenda of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
Hon. Iyaghigba made the call in Makurdi during a briefing session with the newly deployed Permanent Secretary, Mr. Andrew Kyaave, and a team of administrative officers.
News Headquarters reports that he emphasized that his administration is committed to laying the foundation for a focused and vibrant ministry capable of tapping into the vast marine and blue economy opportunities available to Benue State.
The Commissioner noted that the ministry holds a strategic place in the governor’s vision of diversifying the state’s economy, stressing that with the right support, it can provide employment, stimulate local production, and boost internally generated revenue.
“As a new ministry, we must work with dedication and unity of purpose to justify the confidence reposed in us by His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia. My priority is to build a functional institution that will drive revenue and add value to our economy,” Hon. Iyaghigba stated.
As part of his familiarization tour, the Commissioner paid also visited the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries in Makurdi, where he expressed concern over the dilapidated state of the facilities. Buildings at the complex had no roofs, the generator had been vandalized, and critical infrastructure such as hatcheries and cold rooms lay abandoned.
Conducted round the facility by the Director, Mrs. Nguveren Yaaya, Hon. Iyaghigba lamented that such a vital department with huge economic potential had been neglected over the years.
He assured staff of government’s commitment to restoring the facility to functionality, pledging to urgently intervene to turnaround the place.
In the same vein, the Commissioner visited the Marine Police Unit in Makurdi, where he held discussions aimed at exploring areas of collaboration between the ministry and security agencies in protecting the state’s waterways and boosting economic activities along the riverine corridors.
He was warmly received by the State Marine Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Akan Paul, who pledged the readiness of the Marine Police to work closely with the ministry to achieve its mandate.
Iyaghigba described security as a key enabler of investment in the marine and blue economy sector, adding that partnerships with law enforcement agencies would be prioritized under his leadership.
The Commissioner reaffirmed his determination to drive reforms, attract investment, and build a sustainable framework that will make the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry a major contributor to Benue State’s prosperity.
